Reversible connector arrangement



Jan. 30, 1968 .lT R. CHAMBERLIN, JR 3,366,844 I REVERSIBLE CONNECTORARRANGEMENT Filed Oct. 23, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet l Jan. 30, 1968 J. R.CHAMBERLIN, JR

REVERSIBLE CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT 5 Sheetsheet Filved Oct. 23, 1965 Jan.30, 1968 l J. R. CHAMERLIN, JR 3,366,844

REVERSIBLE CONNECTOR. ARRANGEMENT Filed Oct. 23, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.I an. 30, 1968 J. R. CHAMBERLIN, .JR 3,366,844

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REVERSIBLE CONNECTOR` ARRANGEMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed Oct. 23, 1965Unite States 3,366,844 REVERSIBLE CONNECTGR ARRANGEMENT .lohn R.Chamberlin, Jr., Bryn Mawr, Pa., assigner to I-T-E Circuit BreakerCompany, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Fitted Oct.23, 1965, Ser. No. 503,320 Claims. (Cl. 317-99) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE An arrangement for electrically connecting the longitudinallydisplaced terminals of an electrical switching device (such as a circuitbreaker) to the externally remote circuitry, which providessubstantially straight line paths for the connecting cables, and therebyavoids the need to loop the cables. An intermediary connecting means isutilized which may be selectively orientated to accommodate a variety ofcable routes.

The installation of electrical switching devices, as for example circuitbreakers of the multi-phase variety, is conventionally made to a supportstructure which rigidly mounts the circuit breaker and provides accessfor reception of the line and load connections thereto. Sucli circuitbreaker units generally include line and load terminals at their opposedhousing ends, which when mounted to the support structure will belocated at opposite ends thereof (e.g., the upper and lower endsrespectively of the supporting enclosure). These terminals must, inturn, be connected to the external circuitry, typically by wires orcables. Because of'various factors relating to the convenient routing ofsuch cables, it is oftentimes necessary to bring in both the line andload conductors from same end of the enclosure. For example, consideringan arrangement where a circuit breaker unit is vertically oriented, suchthat its line terminals are at the upper end of the enclosure, and itsload terminals are at the lower end of the enclosure, a situation may betypically encountered where all the external conductor cables must bebrought in from the upper end of the enclosure. While this would permitconvenient interconnection to the adjacently located circuit breakerline terminals, the interconnection of the load cables to the circuitbreaker load terminals has oftentimes required looping or bending of thecable about the circuit breaker unit.

In the larger frame size breakers, as for example of the type shown anddiscussed in copending U.S. patent application entitled Circuit BreakerContact Mounting, Ser. No. 430,549, tiled Feb. 5, 1965, now Patent No.3,268,703, in the name of Carl E. Gryctko and assigned to the assigneeof the instant invention, it is oftentimes necessary to provide aplurality of conductor cables, each i atent of an appreciable thicknessand rigidity, at each of the circuit breaker terminal connections. Thebending of such cables is rather cumbersome and space-consuming, therebycomplicating the installation of the circuit breaker to its externalcircuitry, and requiring a larger enclosure volume than would otherwisebe necessary.

My invention avoids this problem by the introduction of a novelintermediary connecting means between the circuit breaker terminals andthe external conductors. Such intermediary connecting means isconstructed such that the external circuit conductor means for both theline and load terminals of the circuit breaker may enter at one end ofthe enclosure and be directly routed to their individual terminallocations along a continuously straight path.

More specifically, such intermediary connecting means include integrallyformed first and second portions. The rst portion abuts its respectivecircuit breaker terminal and is secured thereto. The second portiontransversely extends to a region whereat it may conveniently receive theexternal circuit conductor. As for example, considering the abovediscussed arrangement wherein both the line and load conductors arebrought in from the upper side of the enclosure, the connecting means atthe upper or line terminal side will have their second portionstransversely extend in a forward direction to generally overlie thevolume defined by the circuit breaker housing. The connecting means atthe opposed load end of the circuit breaker will have their secondportions rearwardly extending, beyond the volume defined by the circuitbreaker housing and immediately adjacent thereto. Thus, the externalcables to the load end may be directly routed behind the circuit breakerhousing, thereby avoiding the need to loop them about the load end ofthe circuit breaker, as had been previously required.

The versatility of my invention similarly permits the individualconnecting means at the line and load ends to be reserved so as toconveniently permit the entry of all the conductor cables from the loweror load end of the enclosure unit. More specifically, the connectingmeans at the circuit breaker load end will now be orientated toforwardly extend over the circuit breaker load end, such that theirexternal conductor cables are routed thereto while overlying the volumedefined by the circuit breaker housing. Alternatively, the connectingmeans at the opposed line end of the circuit breaker are now orientatedsuch that their second portions extend rearwardly, free from the circuitbreaker housing, such that the external cables may be directly routedalong a straight line path behind the circuit breaker unit.

Advantageously, my invention provides still further versatility in themanner in which the cables may be routed to the respective circuitbreaker terminals, under those conditions where they are brought in attheir respective ends of the enclosure. That is, the connecting meansmay be orientated such that the cables connect to either a forward orrear region of the circuit breaker housing, thereby minimizing the needfor deviating from a straight line path between the point of cable entryand the point where the cable is attached to its respective circuitbreaker terminal connecting means.

In accordance with one form of my invention, the circuit breaker unit ismounted to line and load end support assemblies of the type which is thesubject of copending U.S. patent application entitled Circuit BreakerMounting Arrangement Including a Base Support Member for Bolt Connectingthe Circuit Breaker Terminals to an External Circuit, Ser. No. 503,185,filed Oct. 23, 1965, in the name of John C. Brumiield and assigned tothe assignee of the instant invention. The support structure of thatinvention includes a mounting block assembly, having an insulative basesupport member separated into adjacent compartments, corresponding tothe number and inter-pole spacing of the circuit breaker for which it isintended to be used. Each of the adjacent compartments contains anelectrically conductive strap, having a portion of suitableconfiguration to mate with the individual pole terminal of the circuitbreaker device, and another portion of suitable configuration to receivethe novel intermediary connecting means of the instant invention. Theseconnecting means may either be mounted to the forward or the rearsurface of the electrically conductive strap, such that theirtransversely extending cable receiving portions are positioned forwardor rearward of the circuit breaker housing, in proper cooperativerelationship with the external routing of such cable conductors.

In accordance with another form of my invention, the intermediaryconnecting means may be directly mounted to the circuit breakerterminals. Such connecting means may be of an L-shaped configuration,with the arm of the L abutting the circuit breaker terminal and the legof the L orientated to rearwardly or forwardly extend, according to theparticular installation requirements. In a modification of thisembodiment, the need to reorientate the conductor depending upon themanner in which the connections are to be made to the external cables,may be avoided by forming the connecting means of a generally T-shapedconfiguration, with the arms of the T transversely extending inrespective forward and rearward directions, so as to permit reception ofthe cables at either of these locations.

It is therefore a principal object of my invention to provide animproved means for connecting external circuit conductors tolongitudinally separated terminals of an electrical switching device.

Another object of my invention is to provide a connecting means whichmay be approximately positioned to accommodate straight line runs ofconnecting cable between a point of entry at either end of the circuitbreaker supporting structure and the opposed line and load terminalmeans.

A further object of my invention resides in the provision of a novelconnecting means which permits a plurality of interconnectionarrangements between external circuit conductors and the opposed lineand load ends of a circuit breaker device, without the need to loopcables within the enclosure support.

An additional object of my invention resides in the combination of anelectrical switching device, its support structure and an individualconnecting means at the respective switching device terminals located atthe opposed end thereof, characterized in that the external circuitconductors may enter at the same end of the support structure and bedirectly routed to their designated connecting means along continuouslystraight paths.

Still another object of my invention is to provide such a combination,wherein the connecting means includes a rst portion in abuttingrelationship with its respective switching device terminal means and asecond portion positionable to transversely extend either rearward orforward from the circuit breaker terminal location.

Still a further object of my invention is t provide such a combinationwherein the individual connecting means are directly connected to thecircuit breaker terminals.

Still an additional object of my invention is to permit the novelconnecting means to be used in conjunction with a mounting blockassembly, which is both mechanically and electrically connected to thecircuit breaker unit independent of the external circuit connectionsthereto.

These as well as other objects of my invention will become readilyapparent upon a consideration of the following description and drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a three phase circuit breaker unitmounted within its individual enclosure and circuit connected inaccordance with one form of my invention.

FIGS. 2-5 are side views showing the various ways which the connectingmeans of the instant invention may be orientated to accommodate theparticular cable routing requirements. In FIG. 2 (as in FIG. l) all thecables are brought in from the upper end of the enclosure, in FIG. 3 allthe cables enter from the lower end of the enclosure; in FIG. 4 thecables are brought in from respective upper and lower ends of theenclosure, along the front surface thereof; and in FIG. 5 the cables arealso brought from their respective upper and lower ends of theenclosure, but along the rear surface thereof.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the form of my invention shown inconjunction with FIGS. l-5 above.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are front, top, end and rear views of theconnecting means shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, showing another form of my invention,directly mounted to the circuit breaker terminals.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting means utilizedin FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 are side, top and end views respectively, of theconnector means shown in FIG. l2.

FIGS. 16-19 show the connecting means of FIGS. 13-15 in the variousorientations corresponding to previous FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 20 is still another arrangement in accordance with my invention,showing a connecting means similar to that of FIGS. 12-15 above, used inconjunction with circuit breaker mounting block assembly.

FIG. 21 is another modification of my invention, in which the connectingmeans need not be re-orientated to accommodate the various cablealternatives.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the circuit breaker unit 10 to which theexternal connections are to be made, in accordance with the inventiveconcept of my invention, is illustratively shown as a three pole device,of the general type which is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 430,549, to which reference is made for a more complete descriptionof its operation. It should be understood, however, that this circuitbreaker device is merely shown for illustrative purposes. The novelconnecting arrangement of the instant invention may be practiced inconjunction with numerous other types of electrical switching apparatus,including longitudinally spaced terminals which had previously requiredthe looping of cables under certain installation conditions.

Circuit breaker unit 10 includes a housing 12 and a manual operatinghandle 13 for moving the circuit breaker contacts between their ON andOFF positions, as well as a trip unit assembly, generally shown as 15,for initiating interruption of the -circuit breaker contacts in theconventional manner, when subjected to a predetermined fault condition.The individual pole line terminals 14' are located at one end of thehousing, generally shown as 14, with the individual pole load terminals16 being located at the longitudinally spaced opposed end of the housing12 generally shown as 16. Circuit breaker 10 is mounted within enclosure20, such that it is vertically orientated with its line side 14 at theupward region of the enclosure and its load side 16 at the bottom regionof the enclosure.

Circuit breaker 10 is of the larger frame size variety of commerciallyavailable molded case circuit breaker units, and may typically bedesigned to carry 1600 amperes steady-state, at 600 volts, with aninterruption capacity upwards of 75,000 volts. As such, the externalcircuit conductors to the terminals thereof, generally shown by cables35 and 45, are of an appreciable thickness, and

preferably comprise a plurality of individual cables at each of theterminal connections. The weight of circuit breaker will be quitesubstantial, with the particular frame size shown being in the order of50 Ipounds. Hence, a firm rigid and mechanically secure mountingarrangement is required for maintaining the circuit breaker in itsdesired location. This may take the form of bolt means directly securingthe breaker to the enclosure. However, the particular arrangement shownin FIG. 1 utilizes individual mounting block assemblies 40, which is thesubject of copending U.S. patent application entitled Circuit BreakerMounting Arrangement Including a Base Support Member for Bolt Connectingthe Circuit Breaker Terminals to an External Circuit, Ser. No. 503,185.The upper mounting block assembly 40 is secured to transverse anglemembers 32, 34 as by appropriate bolt means (not shown) extending intorecessed openings 41 thereof. Similarly, the lower mounting blockassembly is secured to transverse angle members 36, 38 by similar boltmeans extending into its recessed openings 41. Transverse angle members32, 34, 36, 38 are appropriately secured to longitudinal bracing members30, as by bolt means 31, with bracing members being secured, as bywelding, to the side walls 22, 24 of the enclosure 20.

The mounting block assemblies 40 include individual phase conductingmembers 42, to which the individual circuit breaker terminals 14 or 16are mechanically and electrically secured at 44, as by bolt means 46(see FIGS. 2-5), with additional bolt means (not shown) extendingthrough housing aperture and into threaded recess of the mounting blockfor further securably mounting the breaker 10 to the respective mountingblock assemblies 40 located at the line and load ends 14, 16 thereof.The individual phase connecting means 42 include an external circuitconnecting portion 43, to which the novel intermediary connecting meansof the instant invention is secured. However, my invention may also bepracticed with connecting means 50 suitably contoured for directmounting to the circuit breaker terminals 14, 16', without the need forthe mounting assemblies 40. However, such mounting assemblies 40 providethe additional advantage of permitting mounting independence between theconnection to the circuit breaker terminals 14', 16 and the cables 35,45, as is fully discussed in aforementioned copending application Ser.No. 503,185.

Referring further to FIGS. 6-10, intermediary connecting means 50includes a lowermost surface 51, which abuts against external circuitconnecting portion 43 of the individual terminal strap means 42. A pairof openings 52 extend through the length of one portion of theconnecting means 50, emerging at surface 51, and having a spacingcorresponding to the lateral spacing between opening 47 of the terminalstrap means portion 43. Opening 52 receives a bolt means 53, whichextends therethrough and into openings 47 for securably mounting theconnecting means 50 to terminal strap 42, with the additional provisionof a flat washer located intermediate the head of bolt 53 and theuppermost surface 57 at one end of opening 52. The forward end of boltmeans 53 extends through terminal stra-p means opening 47, and istightened at the other side of the strap means by nut means 59, lockwasher 61 and flat washer 63.

Longitudinally adjacent the portion of the connecting means 50, whichcontains fastening bolts 53, is a cable receiving portion 64 whichincludes a plurality of openings 65 for the reception of the externalcircuit connecting cables, such as 35 or 45. Tightening inserts 67,having an external thread 69, which mates with threaded openings 71 areprovided transversely adjacent each of the openings 65, andcommunicating therewith. Inserts 69 further include a centralhexagonally shaped opening 73 for the reception of a convenienttightening tool, such that the movement thereof into its respectivecable receiving openings 65 firmly grasp the side of the received cableso as to maintain a tight reception thereof.

It is thus seen that the circuit connection is as follows: the lcircuitbreaker terminals 14 fand 16' are electrically connected to terminalreceiving portion 44 of the individual terminal strap means 42. Theconducting strap integrally includes a further portion 43 Afor receivingthe connecting means 50 of the instant invention. Connecting means 50 inturn is circuit connected intermediate terminal strap portion 43 and theexternal circuit conductors such as cables 35, 45, to complete thecircuit to terminals 14', 16.

FIG. 1 denotes lan installation situation where it is desired that boththe line cables 35 and load cables 45 enter the enclosure 22 throughopening 28 situated at the top surface thereof. The connecting means 50at the upper or line end of the circuit breaker enclosure are connectedto the forward surface of strap portion 43, such that the cablereceiving portion 64 thereof forwardly projects to generally overlie thevolume deined by circuit breaker housing 12. The connecting means 50,positioned at the opposed load end 16 of the circuit breaker, aremounted to the rear surface of terminal conducting strap portion 43,such that the cable receiving portion 64 thereof rearwardly projectsbeyond, .and immediately adjacent, the volume defined by the circuitbreaker housing 12. Hence, the cable runs 45 may pass immediately behindthe circuit breaker, along -a continuously straight path, into therespective cable receiving openings 65 of the individual load terminalconnecting means 50. The cable runs 35 to the line end 14 also translatea straight line path from the point of entry at opening 28 into theirrespective cable receiving openings 65 of the connecting means 50located at the line or upper end of the circuit breaker housing 12. Itshould be noted at this point that were it not for the utilization ofintermediary connecting means 50 at the load end of the circuit breaker10, it would have been necessary to loop the cables about the lower endof the circuit breaker. This typical prior art technique has causedinstallation diiculties, especially where the load values requiresubstantial thickness cables. Also, an increased depth of enclosure hadbeen previously required to accommodate the looped region of the cable.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2-5, which show the manner in which thereorientation of my novel connecting means 50 provides increasedversatility of cable connections.

FIG. 2 corresponds to the situation illustrated in FIG. 1. Namely, boththe line and load cables 35, 45 respectively enter the enclosure fromabove the circuit breaker 10. As such, the connecting means 50 at theupper or line end 14 of circuit breaker 10 are connected to terminalconnecting strap 42, such that its transverse cable portion 64 forwardlyprojects, in a manner generally overlying the Volume defined by thecircuit breaker housing 12. Conversely, the connecting means 50 locatedlat the opposed bottom or load end 16 of the circuit breaker 10 ismounted to the rear end of terminal connecting str-ap 42, such that itrearwardly projects beyond the volume detined by the circuit breakerhousing, so as to provide an unobstructed path behind the circuitbreaker unit 10 vfor the straight line routing of its cable conductors45.

FIG. 3 refers to the reverse situation, where both the line and loadcables 35, 45 enter from the bottom or load end 16 of circuit breaker10. It will be noted that the location of connecting means 50 have nowbeen reversed, such that the connecting means 50 at the load end,adjacent where the cables enter, now forwardly projects over the volume`of the circuit breaker 10, land the connecting means 50 at the opposedor line end 14 now rearwardly project beyond the circuit breaker volume.An unobstructed region immediately behind the circuit breaker unit isnow provided for the straight line routing of line connecting cables 35from t-he bottom end of the enclosure to the external cable connectionportion 64 of its individu-al connecting means 50.

FIGS. 4 and 5 refer to situations wherein the respective line and loadcables 35, 45 enter the housing ends immediately adjacent theirrespective locations. However, in FIG. 4 it is desirable that the cablesbe brought in from the -front portion of the circuit breaker unit 10 andin FIG. 5 it is desirable that the cable be brought in from the rearportion of the circuit breaker 10. Hence, in FIG. 4 both of theconnecting means 50 at the line and load ends 14, 16 respectively aremounted to the forward surface of their individual terminal connectingstraps 42, such that their cable receiving por-tions 64 forwardlyproject in front of the circuit breaker terminals 14', 16', In FIG. 5both the line and load terminal connecting means 5t) are positionedagainst the rear surface of their respective terminal conducting straps42, such that their cable receiving portions 64 are located behind thecircuit breaker unit. It may be naturally understood that thearrangements of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be intermixed, according to theparticular requirements of the enclosure installation, such that withthe cable connections entering the enclosure from their respectivesides, either one of the line or load terminal connections may be madeforward of the circuit breaker and the other may be made to the rear ofthe circuit breaker 10.

Reference is now made to FIGS. l1-l5 with respect to another form of myinvention, utilizing an L-shaped connecting means 150, which is adaptedto be directly mounted to the circuit breaker terminals, as shown inperspective FIG. 11. Connecting means 150 is of a generally L-shapedconfiguration, having an 4arm portion 151 and a leg portion 160. Armportion 151 includes a pair of openings 152, having a spacingcorresponding tothe spacing between the openings of the circuit breakerterminals 14', 16'. Bolt means 153 extends through opening 152 forfirmly securing the arm portion 151 against its respective circuitbreaker terminal 14' or 16'. Flat washer 155 is interposed intermediatethe head of bolt 153 and the top surface of arm portion 151, with hatwasher 163, lock washer 161 interposed between nut member 159 and therespective circuit breaker terminal means 14' or 16 respectively.

The leg section 160 of connecting means 150 includes a plurality ofcable rceiving openings 165, which transversely communicate with lockingapertures 171. Locking apertures 171 receive tightening inserts 67,having an external thread 69 which mates with the internal thread oflocking opening 171. Threaded inserts 67 further include a centralhexagonal opening 73, such that they may be urged by an appropriate tooltransversely into their respective cable receiving openings 165, forhightly maintaining the cable within such opening.

Reference is now specically made to FIGS. 16-19, which show the variousways in which connecting means 151) may be orientated to accommodate theentry of line connecting cable and load connecting cables 45 from theirrespective ends of the mounting enclosure. It is to be noted that theorientation shown in these figures corresponds to that shown in FIGS.2-5 discussed in conjunction with the previous embodiment of myinvention. Namely, in FIG. 16, both the line and load cables 35,respectively are received from above the enclosure. As such the armportion 151 of L-shaped connecting means 150 is connected to lineterminal 14 such that its leg section 160, to which the cables 35 areconnected forwardly extends to overlie the circuit breaker volume. Con*versely, the connecting means 150 at the load side of the circuitbreaker is connected to load terminal 16', such that its leg section 160rearwardly extends behind the circuit breaker unit.

In FIG. 17, wherein the line and load cables 35, 45 respectively enterfrom the bottom portion of the enclosure, the location of the respectiveconnecting means 15.1

. has been reversed. Namely, the connecting means at the upper or lineend of the circuit breaker is connected to 8 its terminal 14', such thatit rearwardly extends behind th circuit breaker and the connecting meansat the load end is connected to its terminal 16', such that it forwardlyextends to overlie the circuit breaker housing.

In FIGS, 18 and 19, wherein the line and load cables 35, 45, enter fromtheir respective ends of the enclosure, the connecting means 15G are rstshown orientated such that the cables may conveniently enter from infront of the circuit breaker unit lil, and in FIG. 19, such that thecables are directed to the rear of circuit breaker 1t).

FIG. 21 shows another form of my invention, corresponding closely tothat shown in conjunction with FIG. 11, but wherein the connecting means250 is of a T- shaped configuration. Connecting means 250 includes abody portion 251, which is appropriately bolted by 253 to the terminalsof circuit breaker unit 10. The top of the T 26) includes a portion 260'which transversely extends in a forward direction from theinterconnection to its respective body portion 251, and another portion261', which rearwardly extends from body portion 251. A plurality ofcable receiving openings 265 are located along the top of the T, withthere being a similar plurality of communicating tightening apertures271, which include insert 67. Hence, with the connecting means 250positioned as shown, there will be a cable receiving portion thereof(260, 261) extending both forward and rearward of the circuit breakerterminal means. Hence, the various interconnections shown in FIGS. 16-19may be accomplished without reorentating the connecting means 250.

FIG. 20 shows another modied form of my invention, wherein the generallyL-shaped connecting means of FIGS. 12-15 is modified and shown as 150',such that it is mounted to an intermediate supporting block 140. Blockserves a function similar to that shown by supporting block 40 of FIG.l. Block 140 is divided into compartrnents 140-A, Z140-B and 14h-C,adapted to receive the individual phase connecting means Theseindividual phase connecting means 15th are connected to the insulativesupport block 14@ by elongated bolt members 253, which have a forwardthreaded end 254 for threaded engagement with tapped apertures 255 ofthe connecting member 151i', A shouldered portion 256 is providedadjacent the head of bolt 253, to receive a split ring lock washermember 257 for resiliently mounting the individual connecting means 150'to the insulative support block 1411, in the manner discussed inaforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 503,185. Mounting block140 is con nected to the transverse support angles 52, 34, 36, 3S (asshown in FIG. l) as by appropriate bolt means (not shown) extendingthrough openings 141 thereof. The terminals 14', 16' of the circuitbreaker are respectively connected to openings 152 of the connectingmeans 150. As shown, the connecting means cable connecting portion 166'will forwardly extend over the body of the circuit breaker unit.However, connecting means 154i' may be reversed and connected to therear side of the circuit breaker terminal, such that portion will extendrearward of the circuit breaker, so as to accommodate a cable connectionrouted in this region in the manner shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 above.

It is therefore seen that my invention provides an improved mountingarrangement for interconnecting external conductors to longitudinallyspaced terminals of an electrical switching device (such as a circuitbreaker unit) which will permit convenient routing of the cables to therespective terminals along a continuously straight line path.

Although there has been described a preferred embodiment of this novelinvention, many variations and modifications will now be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited,not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege orproperty is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In combination with an electrical switching device including at leastone pair of longitudinally spaced first and second terminal means forconnection to externally remote circuitry,

a support structure for rigidly mounting said electrical switchingdevice, with said first and second terminal means accessible forconnection to the externally remote circuitry, while said first andsecond terminal means are located at first and second longitudinallyspaced ends of said support structure,

first and second individual connecting means for elec* tricallyinterconnecting said first and second terminal means to the externallyremote circuitry,

each of said connecting means including an external circuit conductormeans extending between said support structure and the remotely locatedexternal circuitry, and an intermediary connecting means between saidexternal circuit conductor means and said support structure,

said intermediary connecting means including a first portion forelectrical connection to said terminal means and a second portion forreceiving said external circuit conductor means,

means for positioning said intermediary connecting means in a firstposition such that the second por tions of both said first and secondintermediary connecting means are in an unobstructed substantiallystraight line path to said rst end of said support structure, such thatthe external circuit conductor means for connection to both said firstand second intermediary connecting means enter said first end of saidsupport structure and are directly routed to their intermediaryconnecting means along substantially straight line paths.

2. In combination with an electrical switching device in cluding atleast one pair of longitudinally spaced first and second terminal meansfor connection to externally remote circuitry,

'a support structure for rigidly mounting said electrical switchingdevice, with said first and second terminal means accessible forco-nnection to the externally remote circuitry, while said first andsecond terminal means are located at first and second longitudinallyspaced ends of said support structure,

first and second individual connecting means for electricallyinter-connecting said first and second terminal means tothe externallyremote circuitry,

each of said connecting means including an external circuit conductormeans extending between said support structure and the remotely locatedexternal circuitry, and an intermediary connecting means between saidexternal circuit conductor means and said support structure,

said intermediary connecting means including a iirst portion foryelectrical connection to said terminal means and a second portion forreceiving'said external circuit conductor means,

means for positioning said intermediary connecting means in a secondposition, such that the second portions of 'both said first and secondintermediary connecting means are in an unobstructed substantiallystraight line path to said second end of said support structure, suchthat the external circuit conductor means for both said first and secondintermediary connecting means enter said second end of said supportstructure and are directly routed to their intermediary connecting meansalong substantially straight line paths.

` 3. In combination with an electrical switching device including atleast one pair of longitudinally spaced iirst and second terminal meansfor connection to externally remote circuitry,

a support structure for rigidly mounting said electrical switchingdevice, with said first and second terminal means accessible forconnection to the externally remote circuitry, while said first andsecond terminal means are located at first and second longitudinallyspaced ends of said support structure,

first and second individual connecting means for electricallyinterconnecting said first and second terminal means to the externallyremote circuitry,

each of said connecting means including an external circuit conductormeans extending between said support structure and the remotely locatedexternal circuitry, and an intermediary connecting means between saidexternal circuit conductor means and said support structure,

said intermediary connecting means including a first portion forelectrical connection to said terminal means and a second portion forreceiving said external circuit conductor means,

means for selectively positioning said intermediary connecting means ineither a first or second position, said first position characterized asplacing the second portions of both said first and second intermedia-ryconnecting means in an unobstructed substantially straight line path tosaid first end of said support structure, and said second positioncharacterized as placing the second portions of lboth said first andsecond intermediary connecting means in an unobstructed substantiallystraight line path to said second end of said support structure, suchthat in said first position, the external circuit conductor means forcon nection to both said first and second intermediary connecting meansenter said first end of said support structure and are directly routedto their individual intermediary connecting means along continuouslystraight line paths, and in said second position the external cir-cuitconductor means for connection to both said first and secondintermediary connecting means enter said second, end of said supportstructure and are directly routed to their individual intermediaryconnecting means along substantially straight line paths.

4. In combination with an electrical switching device including at leastone pair of longitudinally spaced first `and second terminal means forconnection to externally remote circuitry,

first and second individual connecting means for electricallyinterconnecting said terminal means to the externally remote circuitry,

each of said connecting means including an external circuit conductormeans extending between said support structure and the remotely locatedexternal circuitry, and an intermediary connecting means between saidexternal circuit conductor means and said support structure,

said intermediary connecting means including a first portion forelectrical connection to said terminal means and a second portion forreceiving said external circuit conductor means,

means for selectively positioning said intermediary connecting means,such that the second portions of both said first and second intermediaryconnecting means are in an unobstructed substantially straight line pathto one of the ends of said support structure, such that the externalcircuit conductor means for both said first and second intermediaryconnecting means enter at one end of the support structure and aredirectly routed to their individual, and longitudinally disamasarpla-ced, first and second intermediary connecting means alongsubstantially straight line paths.

5. In combination with an electrical switching device, as set forth inclaim 3,

said second portion of the intermediary connecting means extendingoutward from its respective terminal means in a direction generallytransverse to said longitudinal spacing.

6. In combination with an electrical switching device,

as set forth in claim 4,

said electrical circuit breaker being mounted in a generally verticalorientation,

said second portion of the intermediary connecting means extendingoutward from its respective terminal means in a generally horizontaldirection.

7. The combination as set forth in claim 6, wherein the intermediaryconnecting means at the switching device end wherein said externalcircuit conductor means enter are orientated such that its secondportion is laterally offset from the second portion of the intermediaryconnecting means at the other end of the switching device.

8. In combination with an electrical circuit breaker including at leastone pair of longitudinally spaced first and second terminal means forthe line and load terminals thereof,

a circuit breaker housing, with said terminals located at one surfacethereof,

a support structure for rigidly mounting said electrical circuit breakerin a generally vertical orientation with the housing rear surfaceabutting said support structure and said terminal means accessible forconnection to individual external circuit `conductor means,

.and said first and terminal means are located at first and secondlongitudinally spaced line and load ends of said support structure,

intermediary connecting means for eletcrically interconnecting saidterminal means to their respective external circuit conductor means,

means for selectively positioning said intermediary connecting means inan obstructed substantially straight line path to one end of saidsupport structure, such that the external circuit conductor means forboth said first and second terminal means enter at one end of thesupport structure and are directly routed to their individual, andlongitudinally displaced, first and second terminal conducting means`along substantially straight line paths,

said intermediary connecting means including first and second portions,said first portion including first interconnection means for electricalconnection to its individual terminal means and said second portionincluding second interconnection means for electrical yconnection to itsindividual external circuit conductor means,

said second portion extending outward from its respective terminal meansin a generally horizontal direction,

the intermediary connecting means at the circuit breaker end whereinsaid external circuit conductor means enter being positioned in a rstposition,

fand the connection means at the other circuit breaker end beingpositioned in a second position,

vsaid first position characterized as having its second 9. Incombination with an electrical circuit breaker including `at least onepair of longitudinally spaced first and second terminal means for theline and load terminals thereof,

a circuit breaker housing, with said terminals located at the rearsurface thereof,

a support structure for rigidly mounting said electrical circuit breakerin a generally vertical orientation with said housing rear surfaceabutting said support structure and said terminal means accessible forconnection to individual external circuit conductor means,

and said first and terminal means `are located at first and secondlongitudinally spaced line and load ends of said support structure,

intermediary connecting means for electrically interconnecting saidterminal means to their respective external circuit conductor means,

said intermediary connecting means including first and second portions,said first portion including first interconnection means for electricalconnection to its individual terminal means and said second portionincluding second interconnection means for electrical connection to itsindividual external circuit conductor means,

said second portion extending outward from its respective terminal meansin a direction generally transverse to said longitudinal spacing,

the intermediary connecting means at one of said circuit breakerterminal means having their first portions adjacent their associatedcircuit breaker terminal means, and their second portions forwardlyextending to generally overlie the volume dened by said circuit breakerhousing,

the intermediary connecting means at the other of said circuit breakerterminal means having their first portions adjacent their associatedcircuit breaker terminal means, and their second portions rearwardlyextending beyond the volume defined by said circuit breaker housing,such that unobstructed substantially straight line paths are providedfor routing the external circuit conductor means from a point of entryat the enclosure end closest to said one circuit breaker terminal meansto the second portions of both their respective connecting means.

10. The lcombination as set forth in claim 4, said intermediaryconnecting means first portion including first interconnection means forelectrical connection to its individual terminal means and said secondportion including second interconnection means for electrical connectionto its individual external circuit conductor means,

said second portion extending outward from its respective terminal meansin a direction generally transverse to said longitudinal spacing,

said intermediary connecting means having a generally L-shapedconfiguration, with said first and second portions being the arm and legportions of the L. 11. The combination as set forth in claim 4, saidintermediary connector means first portion abutting its respectiveterminal means, and said second portion transversely extendingtherefrom.

12. A connector assembly for connecting the space separated line andterminal means of a circuit breaker to externally extending line andload conductor means,`

said connector assembly including intermediary connecting means forelectrically interconnecting said line and load terminal means to theirrespective externally extending circuit conductors means, and

means for positioning said intermediary connecting means such that theexternally extending circuit conductor means for both said line and loadterminal enter `at one end of the circuit breaker and are directlyrouted to their individual, and longitudinally displaced, line and loadterminal means along substantially straight line paths.

13. A connector assembly as set forth in claim l2, said intermediaryconnecting means including first and second portions, said first portionincluding first interconnection 13 means for electrical connection toits individual terminal means and said second portion including secondinterconnection means for electrical connection to its individualexternal circuit conductor means,

said second portion extending outward from its respective terminal meansin a generally transverse direcltion.

14. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 12, said intermediaryconnecting means having a generally L- shaped configuration, with saidrst and second portions being the arm and leg portions ofthe L.

15. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 13, said intermediaryconnecting means having a generally L- shaped configuration, with saidfirst and second portions being the arm and leg portions of the L.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, PrimaryExaminer. D. SMTH, Assistant Examiner.

